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WILL O^ THE WORLD 

Shakespearean Tercentenary Mascjuc 
by Isabelle FisAe Conant 5 




c'Le old- 













S ATVRDA Y, MAY 1 3 ^^ 3. 

edate.Grove St., WellesleY. 



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Copyright. 1916 by Isabelle Fiske Conant 



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HE Babson Statistical Organ- 
ization, Wellesley Hills, Mass., 
was incorporated in 1904. It 
immediately entered the busi- 
ness world to assist the manufacturer, mer- 
chant, banker and investor in successulUy con- 
ducting his business and investments through 
a clearer knowledge of those fundamentals 
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■ ORGANIZATION 

Direciofof Masque 
Mrs. Laura Palmer Ingalls 



Musical Director 
Mr. Crowley 

Execuiive Commiiiee 
Mrs. Frank H. Burtt, Chairman 
Mrs. G. Edward Alden 
Miss Mary C. Buchan 
Mrs. Ellis B. Dean 
Miss Marion H. Niles 
Miss Evelyn Robbins 
Mrs. Harry Rollins 

Music Committee 
Mrs. F. Richmond Fletcher 
Mrs. Harry Haley 
Mrs. A. L. Jacobs 
Mrs. Russell Stearns 
Mrs. Edward F. Stevens 
Mrs. W. L. Taylor 

Costume Committee 

Mrs. Thomas A. West, Chairman 
Mrs. Frank E. Buxton 
Mrs. Henry T. Coe 
Miss Agnes Hastings 
Mrs. Gilbert N. Jones 



Treasurer 
Mr. Benj. H. Sanborn 

Mrs. Stanley W. Longmire 
Mrs. Harrison A. Plympton 
Mrs. J. Murray Quinby 
Mrs. A. Erwin Rankin 
Mrs. Charles E. Richardson 
Miss Clara Selfe 

Publicity Committee 
Mr. Robert A. B. Cook, Chairman 
Mr. Charles Aiken 
Mrs. Edward W. Bancroft 
Mrs. WiUard F. DiUaway 
Mrs. Edward W. Perkins 
Miss Agnes E. Rothery 
Mr. W. H. Hough 
Mr. Ralph W. Richardson 

Grounds Committee 
Mr. H. A. Austin, Chairman 
Mrs. G. E. Alden 
Mrs. Arthui P. Dana 

Mrs. Harry Rollins 



Teacher of the Maypole and Morris Dance 

Miss Lucy Osgood 

In charge of Episode I, 

Mrs. H. V. Niles 
In charge of Episode II 
[a] Maypole Dance— Mrs. Arthur C. Harvey 
r^] Morris Dance — ^Miss Evelyn Robbins 

In charge of Episode IV 
Mrs. Harry Rollins 

In charge of Episode V 

Mrs. A. Erwin Rankin, Mrs. Robt. B. Puffer, Mrs. S. P. Longmire 

ifl] Masque — Mrs. Frank E. Buxton 

1^1 Miracle Play — Mrs. Hamilton Macdougall 

Epilogue 

Mrs. M. T. Hubbard 

Property Manager 

Miss Evelyn Robbins, 

Thanks are tendered to Mr. Charles A. Aiken and Miss Mary Aiken 

for their valuable assistance. 



11 



PATRONESSES 



Mrs. Cecil Q. Adams 
Mrs. George B. Ager 
Mrs. William H. Aymar 
Mrs. Roger W. Babson 
Mrs. Robert M. Baker 
Mrs. William H. Baltzell 
Mrs. Edward E. Bancroft 
Mrs. Nelson S. Bartlett 
Miss Katherine L. Bates 
Mrs. William H. Blood 
Mrs. Gamaliel Bradford 
Mrs. Arthur E. Brown 
Mrs. James Buchan 
Mrs. Frank E. Buxton 
Mrs. Henry M. Cleveland 
Mrs. Charles E. Cobb 
Miss Helen T. Cooke 
Mrs. Benjamin Curtis 
Mrs. Arthur P. Dana 
Mrs. Ellis B. Dean 
Miss Anna Devereaux 
Miss Sarah P. Eastman 
Miss Mary N. Edwards 
Mrs. Moses Ellis 
Mrs. Edward D. Emerson 
Mrs. William P. Fay 
Mrs. George P. Folsom 
Mrs. F. Murray Forbes 
Mrs. Edward A. Goddard 
Mrs. Benjamin W. Guernsey 
Mrs. Orin C. Hart 
Miss Agnes Hastings 
Mrs. Arthur C. Harvey 
Mrs. Parke W. Hewins 
Mrs. Edward C. Hood 
Mrs. Mary E. Horton 



Mrs. Albert Howe 
Miss Ethel D. Hubbard 
Mrs. Arthur Hunnewell 
Mrs. Henry S. Hunnewell 
Mrs. Franklin B. Ingraham 
Mrs. Gilbert N. Jones 
Mrs. Frederick Lauderburn 
Mrs. John C. Lee 
Mrs. Frederick C. Leslie 
Mrs. Victor J. Loring 
Mrs. George H. Lowe 
Mrs. Hamilton Macdougall 
Miss Fannie L. Massie 
Mrs. Louville V. Niles 
Mrs. John E. Oldham 
Mrs. Edward R. Peirce 
Miss Ellen F. Pendleton 

Mrs. Edward A. Perkins 
Mrs. Austin Potter 
Mrs. Waldo E. Pratt 
Mrs. Harrison A. Plympton 
Mrs. A. Erwin Rankin 
Mrs. Francis W. Sargent 
Miss Mary C. Sawyer 
Mrs. David C. Scudder 
Mrs. Robert G. Shaw 
Mrs. Isaac Sprague 
Mrs. Horace Stanwood 
Mrs. Carl S. Stillman 
Mrs. Robert L. Studley 
Miss Leila H. Swift 
Mrs. Fletcher L. Torrey 
Miss Edith S. Tufts 
Mrs. Joseph F. Wight 
Mrs. Edward H. Wiswall 



12 



PEOPLE TAKING PART 

IN THE ORDER OF THEIR APPEARANCE 

TRUMPETERS 
Axel Larson George Scott 

Harry Larson Leon Stacy 

POEM PROLOGUE 

Miss Evelyn Robbins Mr. Seldon Brown 

SPIRIT OF THE FLAME OF ENGLISH POETRY Mrs. Josiah H. Goddard 

Alknded by 

INSPIRATION Miss Dorothy Cunningham 

TRAGEDY Mrs. Charles E. Jensen 

FARCE Mrs. C. E. Robbins 

ROMANCE Miss Margaret Dodd 

THE HARPER Mr. Charles Aiken 

LANGLAND Mr. Loring Jacobs 

CHAUCER Mr. Henry M . S. Aiken 

EPISODE 1 
LORDS AND LADIES 
Mr. and Mrs. Herman P. Bell Mr. and Mrs.Willard F. Dillaway 

Dr. and Mrs. Harry S. Oilman Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hodgekinson 

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. H. Hill Mr. and Mrs. Benj. Proctor, Jr. 

Mr. and Mrs. Russell Stearns Mr. and Mrs. Harold V. Niles 

FLOWER GIRLS 
Jean Saunders Gwendolin Keen 

Margaret Sheridan Mabel Young 

VENDERS 
Robert Barton Gordon Bucknam Spenser Eddy 

PAGES 
Barbara Brooks Eleanor Brooks 

Virginia Harvey Katherine Harvey 

QUEEN ELIZABETH Mrs. Edward F. Stevens 

EARL OF LEICESTER Mr. Josiah H. Goddard 

ATTENDANTS OF ELIZABETH 
Mrs. Arthur C. Harvey Miss Margaret Brown Mr. Richard Cunningham 

Miss Eleanor Rindge Mr. Francis Cobb 

SYBIL Miss Ethel Cooper 

GIFT BEARERS 

SYLVANUS Miss Eleanor Early 

MARS Mrs. Stanley Leighton 

BACCHUS Mrs. William Amidon 

POMONA Mrs. James Cowan 

CERES Mrs. C. Raymond Loring 

NEPTUNE Mrs. Frederick Wildes 

PHOEBUS Mrs. F. Albert Edmands 

LADY OF THE LAKE Miss Lois Hopkins 

ATTENDING NYMPHS Mrs. Willard Harding 

Mrs. Edward Richardson 

13 



Masque of Diana 

DIANA Mrs. Walter Brown 

NYMPHS 
Miss Grace Ackerman Miss Edith Richardson Miss Dorothy Kirby 
Miss Priscilla Alden Miss Frances Taplin Miss Jean Rankin 
Miss Helen Comisky Miss Helen Andrews Miss Edith Savage 
Miss Marion Green Miss Margery Bowen Miss Helen Vaughn 
Miss Hildegard Nelson Miss Karleen Fox 
MERCURY Miss Agnes Flynn 

Miracle Play — St. George and the Dragon 

KING OF EGYPT Mortimer Blood 

GIANT Robert Macdougal 

FATHER CHRISTMAS Emerson Davis 

DRAGON Percy Rust 

ST. GEORGE Robert Olson 

DOCTOR Walter Flagg 

TURKISH KNIGHT Horace Pelton 

BOY SHAKESPEARE Winslow Eddy 

GIRL JUDITH Josephine Hawley 

EPISODE II 

MAY POLE DANCE 

Kenneth Amidon Elizabeth Beede Frances Fletcher 

Arthur R. Baker Miriam Beede Katherine Green 

Fred Bossert Vera Bowen Frances Harvey 

Arthur Briggs Alice Damon Gertrude Harvey 

Charles Green Muriel Damon Elizabeth Lewis 

Francis Hersey Mildred Ellis Priscilla Quinby 

MORRIS DANCE 

r^/IAID MARION Charles Carey 

ROBIN HOOD'S MERRY MEN 

Herbert Buell Sanford LeIand 

Richard Cutting Clayton McKenney 

Ralph Davis Thomas Norcross 

Kenneth Harvey George Quinby 

Alden Hurd Lawrence Simmonds 
Herbert Fuller 

YOUTH WILL SHAKESPEARE Leighton Rollins 

MAID JUDITH Helen Curtis 

EPISODE III 

MYSTERY Mrs. Stuart B. Molony 

SHAKESPEARE Mr. W. Lee Burchstead 

BEN JONSON Dr. Marshall L. Perrin 

SIR WALTER RALEIGH Mr. Walter Brown . 

FALSTAFF Mr. Allison Barnes 

ROSALIND Miss Margaret Brooks 

TOUCHSTONE Mr. Kingsley Van R. Dey 

HAMLET Mr. William E. Stanwood 

ROMEO Mr. Ralph Tailby 

JULIET Mrs. Philip Hawley 



14 



FARCE WITH SPARKS OF COMEDY 

Harriet Brooks Ruth Harvey 

Margaret Gallan Persis Hurd 

Dorothy Green Dorothy Longmire 

Emily Hamburger Viola Rust 

Katherine Wood 

TRAGEDY WITH SMOKE OF TRAGEDY 
Barbara Buxton Esther Redell 

Marie Dawley Katherine Rose 

Hazel Diehl Isabella Sweetser 

EPISODE IV 

OLD ENGLISH GAME 
Alice Donahue Muriel Myers 

Margaret Donahue Dorothy Nutt 

Helen Flynn Annie O'Neil 

Florence Haley Eunice Rogers 

Edith McCoy 

HAMNET Bernard Barton 

JUDITH Barbara Barton 

EPISODE V 

PUCK Miss Elsa Richardson 

TITANIA Miss Alice Hunt 

OBERON Miss Marie Blood 

FAIRIES 

PEASBLOSSOM Katherine Allen 

PEASBLOSSOM Louise Hough 

COBBWEBB Josephine Hawley 

FERNSEED Eleanor Adams 

MUSTARDSEED Clarice Holloway 

MOTH Leita Briggs 

Marcella Clapp Margaret Nay 

Kathleen Cobb Barbara Neville 

Barbara Ellis Priscilla Norton 

Eunice Garland Martha McGill 

Marcia Hoyle Elizabeth Perkins 

Muriel Hoyle Dorothy Proctor 

Blanche Jackson Lally Lee Kennedy 

Gertrude Longmire 

HEROES AND HEROINES 

PORTIA Mrs. Fred T. Allen 

LADY MACBETH Miss Agnes E. Rothery 

DESDEMONA Mrs. Charles W. Lewis 

OLIVIA Mrs. Daniel S. Pratt, Jr, 

HELENA Mrs. L. T. McKenney 

JACQUES \ Mr. James Cowan 

OTHELLO Mr. J. Murray Quinby 

ANTONIO Mr. George Guernsey 

SHYLOCK Mr. Philip Hawley 

MACBETH Mr. Benjamin Guernsey 

JESSICA Mrs. John L. Shephardson 

15 



EPISODE VI 

ARIEL Mrs. Walter A. Hersey 

BACON Mr. Decatur Appleton 

BOY IN AUDIENCE William Larrabee 

JUDITH Miss Camp 

EPILOGUE 
RED CROSS KNIGHT Robert Brown 

ATTENDED BY CHILD CRUSADERS 
George Almond Gordon Gallan 

John Almond Joseph Wildey 

Asa Haley Harold Buchman 

RED CROSS NURSE Edna Bowen 

SAINT GEORGE Mr. Paul Ingraham 

MUSIC 

Furnished by the Boston Festival Orchestra, Mr. Crowley, Director. 
Overture Old English Music 

EPISODE ONE 

Midsummer Night's Dream. Intermezzo Mendelssohn 

Old English Songs 

March of Bacchus Delihes 

Hark, Hark the Lark Schubert 

Serenade Drigo 

EPISODE TWO 
Maypole Dance 
Morris Dance. Laudnum Bunches 

Ballade A Flat Chopin 

Romance German 

EPISODE THREE 

Chanson Triste Tchaihowsky 

Ballade A Flat Chopin 

Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes Jonson 

EPISODE FOUR 

Nymphs and Shepherds [Song and Dance] Purcell 

Loure Bach 

EPISODE FIVE 
Midsummer Night's Dream. Overture Mendelssohn 

EPISODE SIX 

Gavotte Gluck 

Spring Song Grieg 

Shadow Dance Meyerbeer 

Midsummer Night's Dream. Nocturne Mendelssohn 

EPILOGUE 

King of Hussars Morse 

SONGS IN EPISODE I Miss Marion H. Niles 

DOUBLE QUARTETTE 
Mr. William Amidon Mr. Willard Harding 

Mr. Harold Niles Mr. Edward Richardson 

Mr. Fay Simmons Mr. Russell Stearns 

Dr. Harry Haley Mr. R. C. Hodgekinson 

SONGS IN EPISODE III Mr. Ralph Tailby 

SONGS IN EPISODE IV Miss Marion H. Niles 



PROSE ARGUMENT 

EPISODE ONE. or Anti-Masque. Shakespeare the Child. 

The Spirit of the Flame, the Torchbearer, the presiding genius of 
English poetry summons her attendants, Inspiration and the Spirit of 
Tragedy, of Romance, and of Farce, who is attended by the sparks of 
Comedy. They all dance, each in her mood. Inspiration, in her dance, 
has enveloping scarves; sable for tragedy, blue for romance, scarlet 
for farce. These represent: tragedy, the smoke; romance, the light 
and warmth and farce, the sparks of the flame. Tragedy wears sable, 
romance, blue and farce, motley. These spirits of the drama appear 
through the episodes when the nature of the action calls for them and 
set the mood of that particular scene. Mystery also attends, repre- 
senting not only the mystic element in poetry but the mystery sur- 
rounding the life of Shakespeare, since so little is known of him. 

The Spirit of the Flame waits the coming of the master-poet. The 
old harper, the ballad maker, passes with his attendants or followers. 
Langland,who masks in his writings as the ploughman and Chaucer, 
the court poet, do not arrest her attention as the objects of her search. 
The centuries pass as she watches. The Kenilworth revels approach. 
During them she discovers the boy Shakespeare but does not reveal 
herself to him. 

The revels are at Kenilworth Castle in 1 675, when Leicester enter- 
tained Queen Elizabeth for a fortnight of revels. A few incidents of 
these are suggested. The scene shows lords and ladies in court 
costumes in groups on the green. Venders and flower girls pass among 
them. A chorus of male voices sings the Shakespearean song, "It was 
a lover and his lass." Elizabeth and Leicester accompanied by pages, 
attendants and lords and ladies on horse-back, arrive at the Castle 
Gate. They are greeted by a blast of welcome from the trumpeters. 
As Elizabeth passes through the gate, a sybil steps from her green 
bower and recites a short verse of welcome. The verse written for 
original Kenilworth Revels. Seven damsels have been awaiting Eliza- 
beth bearing gifts from these gods and goddesses: Sylvanus, Ponoma, 
Ceres, Bacchus, Neptune, Mars, Phoebus. They escort Elizabeth 
to her seat of honor, bestow their gifts upon her and remain grouped 
about her. The Lady of the Lake and two Nymphs float down the 
stream on a barge. They land and pay homage to Elizabeth. Diana, 

17 



Accompanied by her Nymphs, comes from a nearby grove, hunting {o 
Zabeta who had been spirited away by Juno. Mercury comes with a 
message for Diana, apprising her of Zabeta's presence in the neighbor- 
hood. In Elizabeth, Diana discovers the lost Zabeta. The episode 
closes with the old Cornish play, "Saint George and the Dragon." 

EPISODE TWO. Shakespeare the Lad. 

At Stratford, the sixteenth birthday of Shakespeare, ly our 
present calendar ten days later than the old style April twenty- 
third. There are May-Day revels, the Maypole, the dancing of the 
nine men morris, in the guise of Robin Hood and his followers. There 
is also given the Riding of St. George, the patron saint of England, 
and probably Shakespeare's birthday saint. He comes, followed 
by the dragon. Farce, in motley joins the revels. 

Will, sixteen years old, dreams alone. To him comes Inspiration, 
disclosing his genius. As she goes, leaving him breathless with wonder, 
comes Judith, an imaginary, not historical character, the older girl 
who believes in him, and inspires the definite form of his work. Ro- 
mance attends them. , 

EPISODE THREE. Shakespeare the Playwright. 

In London, in the courtyard of the Globe Theatre. Mystery 
attends Shakespeare. Street venders pass. Shakespeare talks with 
his fellow playwrights, Ben Jonson and Welter Raleigh. He visualizes 
different characters, who pass through in their parts at his mention of 
them. It is in the high mood of literary creation, undershot with 
humour. 

EPISODE FOUR. Shakespeare the Father 

By the Avon. Old English children's games are given. They go, 
and Hamnet and Judith, Shakespeare's twelve-year-old twins, ccme 
in; Hamnet carried away by his father's poetry, Judith, uninterested 
but eager to pick flowers for her father. They contend as to which 
loves him most. Shakespeare enters, charmed by them both, but 
confiding in Hamnet only, his son who died at twelve. They dance 
away. Mystery attends. 



18 



EPISODE FIVE. Shakespeare the Dreairer. 

In Arden, the wood of dreams. Shakespeare broods. Tragedy 
attends him, because of his melancholy mood. He is roused by Puck 
sent by Oberon to cheer him, and responds to the spirit of midsummer 
madness. The characters surround him in whimsical mood reproach- 
ing, burlesquing. Farce attends. 



EPISODE SIX. Shakespeare Today. 

Ariel leads Shakespeare to the Pageant Grounds, where, bewildered 
he sees the audience. Puck takes him off in an automobile, putting a 
girdle round the earth, while Ariel dances, and returns with him dazed 
by modernity: the cinemetograph, the skyscraper, and his own fame. 
In the audience before him, he fancies for a m-cmient that he recognizes 
Hamnet again. He is aghast at the war, and the peril of his England, 
but is reassured by the approach of the Red Cross Knight, come to the 
rescue; his own St. George. He goes to meet him, withdrawing from 
the present and from the scene. Mystery and Tragedy attend. 

EPILOGUE. 

The Red Cross Knight comes, the link between the past and 
the present. He sees the Red Cross Nurse draw near and their dia- 
logue closes the masque with their vision of fellowship. St. 
George appears, mounted. A procession of the masque follows. 



19 



The English centuries went and came, 
With garlands of sweet song and flower. 
Their soul, the Spirit of the Flame, 
Heard Langland^s name and Chaucer's name, 
But waited yet an hour. 

From earliest times our Shakespeare caught 
Life's undertones and master-song 
For golden lore he delved and sought, 
Of light on sea or land was naught 
Did not to him belong. 

The pageantry of Kenilworth 
He may have seen, a child amazed; 
The human pageantry of earth, 
Is all its changeful grief and mirth 
Upon his spirit blazed. 

A dreaming lad in Warwickshire, 
Hawthorne and merle and rue he loved, 
And human hearts, and that desire 
That's glorious, for immortal fire 
In his heart throbbed and moved. 

He knew the hearts of lad and lass. 
Today, whatever we do. 
We find his wisdom as a glass. 
Beveled with metres, wherein pass 
Our inner lives, come true. 

His singing scenes, in Ariel-flight, 
Sweep, lyrical, life's skies across. 
Love's gay romance, or motley plight. 
Or, shadows thrown across the light, 
Love's gallant, timeless loss. 



20 



Across the stage of phantasy 
Bright-eyedy or grave, his heroines glance, 
More than themselves in them we see; 
In Constance, all maternity; 
In Rosalind, romance. 

The queen, all mother in desire; 
Portia, in human justice sage; 
Juliet, her wounded heart on fire 
For her hurt knight ; 'tis a sweet choir 
And an illumined page. 

Through history's fact or fancy's masque. 
Flame-lit, his matchless metres burn. 
His stage but shows the human task, 
Hamlet's unanswered questions ask 
That truth for which we yearn. 

Of songsters, England's soaring lark 
His spirit was: her sentry-star; 
Orion, shining through the dark, 
The world has kindled to that spark, 
A candle-beam, thrown far. 

And as war's tempests rack the shore 
Of England, like her stormy seas. 
His tragic tides, with sob and roar. 
And heart-beat rhythm, evermore 
Sound human destines. 

Centuries have passed: a mystic three. 
Nor has life changed since then at all; 
For all its latter luxury. 
It still flows to the Bnal sea, 
Answers the self-same call. 



21 



PROLOGUE 

*Tis Prospero's isle here, where may come to pass 

Whatever will; not recking time nor space 

Stratford or Wellesley; "the spacious times 

Of great Elizabeth "-or ours today. 

Those times are very like our own today 

In pageantry, in drama and in song 

In fashion and desire for golden wealth. 

Think this is Avon's stream, and think this bridge 

Is the Rialto, across which we pass 

To unpatKd waters, undreamed shores, And so 

We journey back to London, Kenilworth, 

Avon and Arden, and we only find 

Ourselves ; remembering one April day. 

April in old style; May time in the new, — • 

His birthday and his deathday all in one. 

And since on April days 'tis hard to mask, 

We mask in May, and, even so, in fear 

And trembling, we have planned, lest daffodils 

Thai come before the swallow dares, and ta^e 

The winds of March with beauty, be today 

All drenched with rain, and your new hats, likewise. 

Ladies. We've hoped for clemency in May! 

Three hundred years-three cycles-have revolved. 

This is a play of Shakespeare's might-have-beens. 

Men have concerned themselves too much with facts 

Where few facts were-though greater things than facts 

They've held a glass distorting. But we say, 

Ta\e him for all in all; this was a man. 

We shall not look upon his li^e again. 

We would not hunt his swift flight as a hare 

By packs of baying hounds all off the scent ; 

We know this of him, sirs and ladies. He 

Had chance to see such dramas of the time 

As rolled through Avon, and mayhap the Queen 

At Kenilworth at revels. And he wrote 

So passing well that many readers thought 

Where he wrote / he wrote but of himself. 



22 



Would that he had! Students, there is no tale 

Of slander 'gainst him that hath any proof. 

His mind was noble. One great fact we know, 

His little lad died at the age of twelve. 

Hath life a keener thrust? And that blow fell 

On the most quivering heart on England's roll, 

A vibrant harp beneath a Master-touch. 

Chatter no follies, then, about his life ; 

History of genius is to gossips as 

Pearls before, — Bacon! That has naught to do 

With his real life, but with that more real life 

That rests to us, his art. You who would spend 

Your time on these things, not his glorious thoughts. 

Leave this our pageantry, we beg of you 

Climb yonder hill, and read in folios, 

Was Shakespeare Bacon? Did he steal a deer? 

0, monarch with the antlers of romance, 

Swift to the chase, we hunt thee here today, 

Elusive forest-king of English song! 

"On with the dance, let joy be unconfined!" 

But in these days, can joy be unconfined? 

How can it, when the world is red with war, 

When the Red Cross goes forth upon the field 

In pity and in sorrow, that Red Cross 

'Neath which St. George went riding, long ago? 

Once more; in ending. In our Shakespeare's day. 

Those in the pit that curved below the stage 

Were called the under -standing. Now the pit 

Has vanished, but we pray you all may be 

The understanding. Friends, the masque is on! 



23 



EPISODE ONE.— SHAKESPEARE. THE CHILD 

The Spirit of the Flame, — the bearer of the Torch of Genius. 
Here is not he for whom I guard the Flame. 
I wait for one to whom to hand the Torch, 
A Lamp that shall flare through the windy world, 
Brilliant and trembling, never to be quenched. 

[The revels take place. The Spirit of the Flame withdraws. 
Elizabeth and Leicester approach. ] 

Elizabeth. You treat us royally, our lord and friend. 
The clock at banquet hour of two stands still ; 
The hour of feasting, for a fortnight's space! 

Leicester. What does that mean, save on your royal self 
All eyes are feasted? 

Elizabeth. What is here, my lord? 

Leicester. This is a learned town that we approach. 
There is a woman's college here, my liege. 

Elizabeth. A woman's college! Never have I heard 
Of such a thing! 

Leicester. *Tis Wellesley, in the shire 

Of Norfolk. 

Elizabeth. Good old names. [Leicester imitates or anticipates, 
as you wilU Sir Walter Raleigh by taking off his cloak* and spreading 
it down for the Queen to walk on.] 

Leicester. Step carefully. 

Elizabeth. [Stepping on his cloak] Where women study I should 
think, my lord, 
Even marshes would be dry. 

Leicester. Nay, 'tis not so. 
Here is a marshy bank of violets 
But yonder, see, how strangely hard the street! 

Elizabeth. A street so paved in a small country town! 
Wonder of wonders! London would do well 
To pave her streets so, too! Tis passing strange! 
This thing so near, and I knew not of it! 
I fear you've harmed your cloak! 

Leicester. Remain this soil 

Its best embroidery, wrought by your foot. 
More rare than handmaid's fingers may design. 
{The hoy Shakespeare and his companions approach. 
He speaks to them] 

24 



Shakespeare. A poor play that they gave us! I could do 
Better than that! That was no play at all! 
They seemed but puppets, not real folk at all! 

Elizabeth, [amused] This is a learned town indeed, my lord. 
Who's here? 

Leicester. It is a lad from Stratford. Six years past 
I saw him once before at Coventry, 
A little lad betwixt his father's knees; 
Standing agaze, when the Gray Friars gave 
Their merry miracles at Whitsuntide. 
We'll hear yet of him. 

Elizabeth. Hush! We'll hear him now! 

Shakespeare. It is as if a rustic clown should bear 
A pasteboard moon upon a stick and say, 
I am the moon! So each of these folk wears 
Some character, as 'twere his only one, 
Tis not so in real life, where each man wears, 
Like to his wardrobe, made of many sorts, 
A dozen characters; coat, gloves, shirt, ruff, 
Manners for street wear; other wear for house. 
Some day /'// show you how, upon the stage! 

Elizabeth. My lord, a prodigy. Let's listen more. 

Leicester. Would'st be a strolling player. Will o' dreams? 

Shakespeare. Nay, I would be an actor to the Queen! 

Elizabeth. Well-spoken. We'll not lose this lad, my lord! 

Shakespeare. Let's play the Queen now. Judith, you be she! 
And since we have not costumes, pluck some flowers 
For your crown and adornment. [ The children scatter and pluc\ 
flowers. ] 

Shakespeare. [Receiving them] Daffodils 
That come before the swallow dares, and tal^e 
The winds of March with beauty. 

The Spirit of the Flame. [Drawing near; recognizing the boy as her 
quest] 
Burn, my flame! 

Here's that I've watched for long! A child as yet, 
I may not yet make myself known to him. 
Twill not be long, though. Genius is full grown. 
The while his agemates prattle. I can wait. [The children dance off] 
Will, preoccupied, follows The Spirit of the Flame. 

25 



EPISODE TWO.— SHAKESPEARE. THE LAD 

[Shakaspeare, thz lad, is musing by Avon, with his tablets. Inspira- 
tion hovers about him, and sways him; at first unseen, then recognized. 
She may have enveloping, voluminous scarves; scarlet for farce; blue for 
romance ; dusk f^^ tragt^y. She wears now the blue of romance, but may 
snatch up momentarily, now and then the scarlet, — or the sable; suiting her 
attitudes to the symbol of the scarf. She advances, retreats, nears, holds 
the torch, bends over him, breathes her messages. He writes, swiftly 
rises, rapt, going through the range of the moods, laughs, sings, dances 
kneels, recites, etc., all against changeful music and her dance.] 

Shakespeare. The world's a stage. . . .Blow, blow, thou winter wind 
Under the greenwood tree .... Down on your knees 

And thank heaven fasting for a good mans lovel 

Motley's the only wear . . . .A blank, my lord 

Farewell, fair cruelty. . . .0 words, words, words! 

0, English words, I love you. [Inspiration confronts him\ Who is here? 

Inspiration. Know you not? 

Boy Shakespeare, [transported] I have heard you many times 
When skylarks sang, when winds went whispering! 
I've waited for you! Oh, I know you now! 

Inspiration. And I have waited for you. Dare you be 
The lamp in which I burn? 

Boy Shakespeare, [conscious of destiny] It is not f/are 
But must. Who, watching you could craven be 
Letting I dare not wait upon I would? 

Inspiration. Beware, moth, lest you singe your wings with flame! 

Boy Shakespeare. I fear not! Put the torch awhile aside 
And dance as my companion! You are dressed 
In blue of love! 

Inspiration. I am not always so, 
In mask of sable you shall see me yet. 
Tragedy of your dream-folk, and your own. 

Boy Shakespeare. That's far away! Now you must dance with 
me! [They dance, the youth ecstatic; Inspiration going through the 
different moods of tragedy, comedy, romance; he reflecting them in re- 
sponse, yet always less grave, more carried away, than she. She withdraws, 
he is left alone, with his first realization of his genius. He passes through 
moods of reaction, distrust, humility and returning confidence. Slow 
action ; vivid poses. ] 

26 



Boy Shakespeare. If this were played upon a stage, why now, 
I should condemn it as improbable. 
Mere matter for May morning. As it is. 

Some are born great . . . Why, then, the world's mine oyster. 

Which I with sword will open, sword of rhyme! 

Now is the winter of our discontent 

Made glorious summer by this sun of Fame! . . . 

/ charge thee, fling away ambition: 

By this sin fell the angels . . . wonderful, 

Most wonderful, wonderful and again 

Wonderfull The desire that's gloriousl [Writes breathlessly. Judith 

enters. ] 

Judith. [Bowing dramatically, then laughing] Hail, Master Shakes- 
peare! [Sobering] I am sure that you 

Will be well-known some day. You even move 

Myself to poetry. — ^Hark! [Shows a written tablet.] 

Boy Shakespeare. [Laughing, moved] You're poetry's self 

Hid in a woman — 
Judith. Listen! 

Boy Shakespeare. Skylark, sing! 

Judith. "The poem hangs on the berry bush when Master Will's 
there, too. 

And London's street is a masquerade when Shakespeare passes 
through!" 

It is a couplet that I made for you! 

Centuries later, 'twill be made again 

If I do whisper it in some poet's ear. 
Boy Shakespeare, [eagerly] Do you believe thai? 
Judith. There's naught 

goes too far 

For what I think of what you yet will be 

Your name will be a word to conjure with. 

Your name will be well-known. I'll through the world 

Holloa your name to the reverberate hills 

And bid the babbling gossip of the air 

Cry out, "Will Shakespeare!" For you are born great! 

Read to me [Looking over his shoulder at his tablets, or dancing in 
pursuit. ] 
Boy Shakespeare. [Evading] They are only scattered lines 



27 



Judith. They're snatches from the lark at Heaven's door! 

Boy Shakespeare. They echo what yourself has sung to me. 
They're rags of color, yet shall make a rug; 
Girls' names — Viola, Portia, Rosalind, 
Ophelia, Imogen, Nerissa, — all 
Shall be yourself, now in a silken dress. 
And now in tatters, but all, sweetheart, you! 
You their criterion, their test and aim. 
You're ever at your best whate'er you do 
And so you are my glass. When you do dance 
I wish you a wave of the sea, that you might . . . do 
Nothing but that. When I look in your eyes 
They sparkle still the right Promethean fire. 
They are the boo^s, the arts, the Academes, 
That show, contain and nourish all the world. 
Oh, after this all maidens shall be you. 
Look, here, within the Avon. I shall draw 
You so, in them. The ripples all across 
Shall not disguise you wholly. Twill be you 
And always you. 

Judith [Ecstatic, then sobering.] I'm glad you will do this; 
That I may live in them, for I do think 
Tis only so I'll live long. I was born 
Beneath a short-lived star, and I have that 
Within my blood lets dark hair grow not gray. 

Boy Shakespeare. Judith! 

Judith. Oh, were it not for leaving you 
Twere not so hard a fate to fall asleep 
By Avon; even in the spring of youth. 
Sleep's winter hath its beauties. It doth hang 
Crystals and diamonds on the churchyard's limes: 
We are the stuff that dreams are made of, and 
Our little life is rounded by a sleep. 

Boy Shakespeare. [Determined to shake her out of the mood. ] Judith, 
'tis now you're dreaming. Come awake! [Her mood changes 
to laughter.] 
I'll wake you! Ere you came, there was a maid 
Here with me. Oh, a fair one! 

Judith [ Taking up the merriment. ] Who was she? 
Will, tell me now, who was she? 

Boy Shakespeare. Nay, she was 

28 



Not real, not flesh and blood as you, nor kind 
As you, sweet cousin Judith. 

Judith. If she be 

Not kind, and I have at her, you will not 
Call me kind, then! 

Boy Shakespeare. YouVe ever kind to me. 
She was a will o' the wisp, and she was-fate [Mysteriously. ] 
Oh, I have seen the future! Whisperings 
Took shape of wings. Vision was visible. 
There's that within me must take shape as well 
So long as life beats, for it is my life. 
And I must soon to London seeking that. 

Judith. [Entreating] Go not to London! He who writes must 
dream, 
Not act. Stay here by Avon and with me! 

Boy Shakespeare. Tempt not with Avon. Tempt but with your- 
self. 
I need no London Mayfairs, having you- 

Judith. I'll act for you here! 

Boy Shakespeare. Oh, would that you couldl 
How could mere boys upon the Eastcheap stage 
Show half your graces, sweetheart, or show one? 
Yet never would I have thee on the stage 
A gem worn on the sleeve of poesy 
For daws to peck c'- Judith, would you might 
Be ever near to fan the flame! The fires 
Of life turn embers, ashes: understood 
By none save love- 
Judith. Oh, I would rather know 
Your ashes, than all flame else; rather hear 
Your words than all song else. Their echoes go 
Down futures that shall ever echo them. 



29 



EPISODE THREE.— SHAKESPEARE, THE PLAYWRIGHT 

[In the court yard of the Globe Theatre. London street cries heard; 
Will Shakespeare comes out and sits apart, musing over his tablets. — 
Mystery attends him, dancing. Raleigh and Jonson follow and talk of 
him, then Join him. ] 

Mystery. 0. Will o' the Wisp. Will o' the world. 0, Will 
Of comedy, of tragedy, of farce. 

You're all men's and you're no man's and you're mine! 
You're least of all your own. You're mystery's. 

Jonson. This side idolatry I love this man. 
He sits 'mongst men like a descended god; 
He hath a k^nd of honor sets him off. 
More than a mortal seeming. He has said, 
The world's a stage. Let's name our playhouse, then, 
The Globe! Once called the Theatre, but burned, 
As by his flame of genius, to the ground, 

Raleigh. A master, he! Rememberest thou, Ben, 
Man's seven ages, rolling through the street 
Creaking and clumsy, folk born 'neath Bow Bells, 
Mouthing it stiffly? How his Pegasus 
Leaps through man's ages, breathing fire the while! 

Jonson. He handles words as I lay building bricks. 
One word alongside other. Or atop. 
His columns reach the sky. *Tis Heaven attracts 
Them, not the earth, and men climb as they read. 
What stairs are his iambics, and what halls 
Rise from his corner-stones! Were I to drink 
Forever, I'd not match 'em! 

Raleigh. Olv his wine 

Is ichor of the gods. He dips his soul 
In it and writes! 

Jonson. [Clapping Will on the shoulder.] What words you gave us. 
Will, 
Tonight for our champagne! He wastes them not [to Raleigh] 
But reconstructs them, builds them five feet long! [Spreads out his 
arms, laughs] 

Shakespeare. Nay, but I use the same words as the rest. 
Jonson. Oh, but the usage! Man. had I the power, 
I'd grasp your throat-like this! and wrench them forth, 

30 



Those singing words, and have them for mine own! 

Shakespeare. [Struggling, laughing.] Have off me, Ben! Think 
you, you're heaving bricks? 

Raleigh. He thinks you're one more victim. Have a care 
Of angering one v/ith Tyburn on his thumb! 

Shakespeare. [Feigning ahjedness.] My Master, what's your wish? 
I am your slave. 

Jonson. Food, music, love. 

Shakespeare. // music he the food 

Of love, play on 

Jonson. I told you he would twist 
My words and make them purple that were dun. 

Raleigh. Who was your master? 

Shakespeare. Marlowe, most of all! 
There was a moth that dashed against the flame, — 
Kit Marlowe! 

Raleigh. Rest his memory, wings qf song! 

Jonson. Pupil, you better him that 'prenticed you 

Shakespeare. And here's a new magician. Oh, your tales 
[To Raleigh] 
Of Eldorado and of western worlds! 
There's sound of music in them, — Setehos, 
I'll use that later. Now I'll set it down. 
Tell me of your adventures 'cross the seas. 
The sunsets flaming 'cross the leagues of waves. 
Painting the galleons. And those banks of mist 
You took for shores of Eldorado, 

Jonson. Hark 

To him. Another, Francis Bacon, say, 
Dry-as-dust, he would inventory you. 
Item, one sunset: item so much mist. 
Will and this Bacon are as like as — what? 

Raleigh. As fire and ashes, or, as ice and flame. 
As what's most unlike. Will, 'tis passing strange 
You do not venture on those calling seas. 
Your mind would buccaneer there, past the rest. 

Jonson. Faith, it hath all it can at home. Tis set 
'Hind and before with thoughts that importune. 
Its Golden Hind is ever in full sail. 
The man hath no time for adventures such 
As yours. His Eldorado is at hand. 

31 



Shakespeare. Three plays already hammer at my door 
At once. I scarce can slumber. No, my friend. 
My library is du\edoTn large enough. 
Go you, and bring your treasures back to me. 
Oh, all around now clear, now shadowy. 
But moving toward the light, I see my folk. 
Look, any living man*s a characterl 
Walking the streets of London, see them throngi 
[ These characters appear as he involves them.] 
Sir Rotund, born 'neath Bow Bells; how he'd stare 
To know that he were Falstaff ! And so on. 
Tragedy, comedy, romance and farce. 
Come forth, Romancel I name you Rosalind! 
G)medy, I will twin you, for there must 
Be listeners' ears, as well as jester's lips. 
And these go linked. Hither, DromiosI 
Farce — ^Touchstone; Yet you're more than that, even as 
Your name is. Hamlet, past all action grieved. 
That's tragedy, not Romeo and Juliet 
For they in Heaven are met with utter joy [catches himself up] 
Nay, I know not. Our life is rounded by 
A sleep — 

Raleigh. Ever that pose of yours about death's dream! 
Why, man, think you Kit Marlowe's still asleep? 
I can conceive it for a little while 
But as for centuries-bah! The man's alive! 

Shakespeare. Faith, it is time to sleep! I must to bed. 
I start for Stratford town tomorrow morn 
I've there a twelve year lad some day will make 
Music that's music of our English words. 
My Hamnet, — here's to himl 

Jonson. And may he be 

One iamb of the old pentameter! [They drink to him in dumb show, 
then go.] Tragedy t Comedy ^ Romance and Farce dance.] 



32 



EPISODE FOUR.— SHAKESPEARE. THE FATHER 

[Beside the Aeon. Enter Hamnel with a hook, (^nd tablets 

Hamnet. [Reading.] My crown is in my heart, not on my head. 
Not decked with diamonds and Indian stones. 
Not to be seen : my crown is called content 
A crown it is that seldom kifigs enjoy. [Enter Judith with garlands.] 

Hamnet. Judith, listen! Hear what father wrote! 
What stronger breastplate than a heart untainted? 
Thrice is he armed that hath his quarrel Just 
And he but naked, though locked up in steel 
Whose conscience with injustice is corrupted. 

Judith. [Pouting.] I don't know what it means! I wish he stayed 
Longer at home, and when he comes he writes 
Too much! 

Hamnet. I wish he lived here, too, not far away 
In London. And I know just what you mean. 
Father's more splendid than his poetry even. 
How his eyes shine! His voice is like a belli 
I hope he'll read to us soon. 

Judith. If he does 

I'll go to pick flowers. Poetry's tiresome! 

Hamnet. Judith, how can you! Father's poetry, too! 

Judith. Oh, I love father just as well as you. 

Hamnet. Not Just as well. You'd love his words, too, then. [They 
quarrel.] 

Shakespeare. [Entering.] Fie! What's to do! [They hang their 
heads.] 

Judith. He says|he^loves you more 
Than I do! 

Shakespeare. [Laughing.] Here's a cause for quarreling. 

Judith. Because I go to pick flowers while you read 
And he stays by to hear. It is for you 
I pick the flowers. 

Shakespeare. Run to the dafl^odils 
Then, lass. Your father knows you love him well. 

Hamnet. [Passionately.] Father, she doesn't know what your 
lines mean! 

Shakespeare. [Laughing.] She's not alone, then! 
I am but a glass 
That shows the thoughts and acts of other men. 

33 



Think you King David or the harper old 

Wrote all the songs he harped? Did all the deeds 

He celebrated? I am but a pen 

That writes of long ago. There live in me 

Remembrances of things I never saw. 

Hamnet. Tell me more, fatherl 

Shakespeare. Hamnet, you are like 
A girl of Avon that I used to know. 
If you can keep a secret, I will tell. 

Hamnet. Oh, always! Tell me! 

Shakespeare. She was my first love, 
My older cousin and my lady fair, 
And she died of the plague that ravaged here. 
Judith I named for her. But you're more like 
She ever asked to hear my lines, like you, 
Though I was but beginning when she died. 
And never have I drawn a maid all fire 
All life and sweetness but she lived in her. 
May you love one as sweet as Judith was. 

Hamnet. Take me to London, father! I would act 
In your plays. Father, I am old enough 
Now, to play Rosalind! 

Shakespeare. Not yet, my lad, 

Not London for you yet. When you are man. 
Oh, when you're man, my boy! 

Hamnet. That's long to wait 

Go not to London, father. Stay with me. 

Shakespeare. A few years hence, and I'll come back to thee 
I'll leave the stage of London, just for thee. 

And say, the world well lost, the sinful world [He drops his face in his. 
hands. ] 

Hamnet. Father, does your head ache from writing plays? 
/'// bind my handkerchief about your brows 

And hold my hands to them. [Pause.] 

Shakespeare. [Covering the boys hands.] I'll feign me ill 
To keep them there. I see you not enough. 
My boy. [Judith comes running in, with flowers. ] 

Judith. Father, here's rosemary 
That's for remembrance, and here's rue for you, 
Pansies for thoughts, and daisies pied, — 

Shakespeare. [Catching her as she dances round him ] 
And here's the sweetest flower of them all 

Dance for me, children, dance of spring and flowers. [ They dance, 
leading him off.] 



EPISODE FIVE.— SHAKESPEARE, THE DREAMER 

Shakespeare. [Attended by Tragedy.] 
How bitter . . . .to look into happiness 
Through eyes of other men. That is my part. 
My part's to view the world through others' eyes. 
Today through Viola's or Rosalind's, 
Tomorrow through Othello's. As for me 
I hold the world's a stage where every man 
Must play his part, and mine's a tragic one. 
Who am I, 'midst all these? Come, man of dreams, 
Come, questioner, who lets the issue by. 

Come, Hamlet! I have conjured up myself [Hamlet appears.] 

Does God feel so to see a new-born soul? 
Oh, since I lost my Hamnet, I have lost 
Myself, that went out with the light of him. 
Shall my boy die and any other live 
When he hath plucked Death's fernseed, and doth walk 
In step beside me, though invisible? 
I'll show what grief is. They who've lost a son 
Shall have of me some comfort. Those who've not 
May love their own the more. And as for me. 
Grief fills the room up of my absent child, 
Lies in his bed, wallas up and down with me. 
Puts on his pretty looks, repeats his words. 
Remembers me of all his gracious parts. 
Stuffs out his vacant garments with his form 

Have I not reason to be fond of grief} [ He wanders, dreaming. Mid- 
summer night's revels approach. Farce, and the spares of Comedy 
attend. There is a dance of fairies: Moth, Cobweb, Mustard-seed, 
Pease- Blossom, Fern-seed before Oberon and Titania. Oberon sum- 
mons Pucli\ 

Oberon. On such a night, my Puck, may lesser things 
Have power o'er the greater. Fetch to me 
That man of dreams who did us all create. 
You'll know him by his tablets and his look 
That sees far-off things nearer than the near. 
And summon forth the creatures of his pen 
That we may mock at him in kindly sport. 
Hasten to him! 

Puck. No sooner said than done! 

35 



Shakespeare. [ Coming slowly out of his dejection. ] 

No more of that, for that way madness liesl 
Oh, is the glory worth the heavy cost, 
The splendor of the revel of the brain 
Followed by distrust of all words and deeds? 
Most miserable^s the desire thaVs glorious 

Till once more flames the torch and hastes the pen! [ He listens] 
What are those words that echo in my ears 
Haunting the empty forest and my heart? 
Come, lord of misrule, have your way with me! 

\A crowd of Shakespeare s heroines appear laughing in medley. They 
surround him, teasing, remonstrating, questioning, all in their parts 
He covers his ears, humourously, and tries to escape from the din. ] fl 

Shakespeare. One at a time! The little dogs and all. 
Tray, Blanche and Sweetheart, see, they bark at me\ 
Oh, I'm in love with all of you at once! 
A lion among ladies is a dreadful thingl 
Most dreadful for the lion! 

Portia. Yield your pound 

Of flesh! But I will treat you kindly, Sir, 
Who wert so kind to me. 

Shakespeare. What have we here? t 

Oh, speak again, bright angel! I'm a-cold! 1 

Lady Macbeth. Why did you make me thus? Three hundred years 
Of nightmare is no joke! Why did you so? 

Desdemona. Why did you send me so much tragedy? 
There was no need of such to do for naught 
Of all things — smothering] I've had to die 
A thousand times of it! Why did you so? 

Shakespeare. There had been no play had I not done so, 

Desdemona. There is enough of such things in real life, 
Without the stage, 

Shakespeare. Nay, all the world's a stage. 

Olivia. To mcike me urge my love so! 

Helena. [Reproachfully] And I, too! 

[Shal^espeare^s lost youth appears to him, with Romance. He holds 
out his arms in vain to him, who disappears with Romance, a dark l^^y] 

Shakespeare. Thou art myself, I love thee, my lost youth. 
And thou dost sport with mine own lost romance 
I wrote thee sonnets. Wherefore people haste 
To chatter scandal over well-known names. 

36 



Jacques. Why did you make me so? Methinks I am 
More than myself — Why" did you torture me? 
With melancholy madness? Oh methinks 
I am yourself. 

Othello. To make me slay my love, 
Master! In faith, *twas strange, 'twas passing strange! 
' Twas pilifuU 'twas wondrous pitiful! 
Yet 'twas for her a happy lot to die 
Hearing, though dead, her audiences weep 
At your own matchless metres, through the world. 

Shakespeare. It may be many since then have refrained 
As they would not through preachment. Else what end 
Has tragedy? It is not sport to me. 

Antonio. A pretty peck of trouble I was in! 
And all the while you laughing in your sleeve! 

Shylock. Why had you such a grudge against me, pray? 
Was not a man in all your comedies 
Or tragedies so set on. Was I then, 
A foe on whom your ancient grudge fed fat. 
Naming him Shylock? Sat those on the stage. 
Who, being in the secret, nudged the next. 
Knowing the meaning. Here there's food for thought. 
Thou stolest not from other men at once 
Their ducats and their daughters; stripped not bare 
One soul of everything, or if thou didst 
As Lear, it was with tenderness, not scorn. 

Macbeth. And I, who am the gentlest soul alive. 
Like to yourself — you plunge, forsooth, in gore! 
I would not hurt a fly! But had I thee 
Awhile, I'd make thee soon cry. Hold, enoughl 

Shakespeare. I hold the glass that folk, ill-dressed in sin. 
May see themselves and change their garments straight. 
Hunt me no more! Look up into the Heaven! 
The moon has hammered out the silver bowl 
Of heaven into lacquer of the clouds. 
How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this hank [Jessica comes forward] 

Jessica. I come once more to answer to those words! 

Shakespeare. Come, Jessica. Loo^ how the floor of Heaven 
Is thick inlaid with patines of bright gold 
There* s not the smallest orb that thou beholdest 
But in his motion lil^e an angel sings 

Still quiring to the young-eyed cherubim. [ They wander off together] 

37 



EPISODE SIX.— SHAKESPEARE, TODAY 

[Present day. Prosperous isle of the Pageant Grounds. Ariel appears^ 
dancing a beckoning, summoning dance, drawing Shakespeare to the 
stage and to the present. ] 

Ariel. Come, Master Shakespeare, back to earth again! 
Three hundred years call to you, and I call. 
These flowery islands, given to revelry 
And beauty call you, as to Prospero's isle, 
I once thought Prospero my master. Now 
I know 'twas ever you, his master, too. 
And since I never mortal was, I still 
Can follow you through all of time and space. 
As the air trembles in the glorious sun, 
I tremble back to being and to you. 
And I can show you what takes place today. 
Then, Come unto these yellow sandsl 

Shakespeare. [Bewildered, following slowly.] I see 
No sands. 

Ariel. You see none? Do you so forget 
Your Ariel and Prospero? With your eyes 
Of spirit look, and you will clearly see 
A mystic seacoast bound Bohemia. 
And how within this twentieth century 
Arden, the forest, comes to magic life. 
[Ariel dances the transformation dance. ] 

Shakespeare. [Seeing the audience.] What's this? Enchantment? 

Ariel. Tis three centuries 
After your time, and on your day of birth. 
We give your plays. We hold to you the glass 
Of nature. Is it like? 

Shakespeare. [Concealing a smile.] So this is I! 
And these my plays! They've changed in all this time! 

[To Bacon who appears, threatening, foolish] 
Hence, home, you idle creature, get you home! 
You block, you stone, you more than senseless thing! 
Why do you dog my footsteps? 

Bacon. I do go 

Wherever you go, as a shadow doth 
I'm like you as your shadow — 



38 



Shakespeare. [Disgusted.] That's not like! [He tOaves him off; 
turns back to Ariel and the audience again. 
My friends, you do mistake me! I was one 
Not greatly thought of in his day and time 
Although his plays were liked enough, 'tis true 
So too were plays of other playwrights, who 
Were less recluse than he. But now you write 
Much madness: item, — Did he love his wife? 
What was his most ambition? I will say 
To be an actor with the chief est part. 
Or say, that was not I, but that I had 
A cousin, William Shakespeare, whose same name 
Played havoc with your scholars, while my ghost 
Laughed in his — wing! I may not show the truth. 
Think thati had no being, save my life 
In my book-folk, and in my little son. 

[He steps up to the audience and chooses a child of twelve; addresses 
the child's father. ] 

Lend me this little lad of Hamnet's age! 
Wherevermore some boy hath eager light 
Of fancy in his eyes, of love of life. 
Heart, brain and spirit, like this twelve-year lad, 
My Hamnet lives again, there is no death. [Pause] 

Boy. 0, Shakespeare, is it really you? I play 
Your plays! I have a theatre. 
We made it in the attic! I have been 
Macbeth, the ghost, Othello: Oh, and more! 
Will you play for me there? 

[Ariel, dancing between them, not permitting Shakespeare to answer, 
leads the boy bewildered back lo his seat. ] 

Boy. [Rubbing his eyes. ] Father, I fell asleep! I dreamed he spoke! 
That Shakespeare spoke to me! 
Father. Hush! Hear the play! 

[Shakespeare holds his arms out toward the retreating boy, Ariel 
leads Shakespeare back 

Ariel. Were you glad, Master, to awake? You said 

^ur little life is rounded by a sleep. 

hakespeare. A sleep! Methinks this life here were a sleep 



39 



Rather than that! Why, man! [checl^s himself, as if invisibly stopped] 

I can't say more! 

Save ; beauty, visions, marvels, as in youth, 

But visions that are real [stops,] I may not more! 

Ariel. Now must you see the world abroad today ; 
What man has fashioned and your England's plight. [Summons Puck] 

Shakespeare. My England's plight? 

Ariel. Come hither. Puck, from far 
From Arden or from Athens, lPuc\ appears] 

Puck. / met a fool in theforestl *Was a man 
Dwelt by a churchyardl Yonder! / will put 
A girdle round the earth in forty minutes, 
[ He conducts Shakespeare, bewidered, to a waiting automobile. 
They whirl off; a dance follows by Ariel. They return. ] 

Ariel. What did you see? 

Puck. The cities of the world! 

Ariel. What thought he of the moving pictures, say? 
Puck. He cried aloud, "The streets do reel as tho* 
The Mermaid Tavern were just left behind! 
Are mine ears stopped? They speak and no word comes. 
Mine eyes are dazzled, but mine ears are deaf. 
They show the past and present in a breath 
Men's thoughts are visible! Take me away!" 

Ariel, [Laughing] What thought he of skyscrapers? 

Puck [in glee] Ask of him! 

Shakespeare. Cities on tiptoe! Cities set on end! 
As 'twere a little, old-time London street 
Set up on end, in one tower a whole town! 
When next I come, will Avon parallel 
The spire of Trinity? But, oh, the world 
In agony and danger! C.'ouds of war! 
Now all the youth of England are onfirel 
Our dogs of war, to your deep-baying hounds 
Although we thought them valiant, truly were 
What is it that you call your toys today? 
As Pomeranians, beside blood hounds, set 
Upon the scent of human flesh and blood. 
My England's perilled! Not as once of old 
The hand-to-hand encounter, but too far 
Even to be seen, the deadly fire and sword! 

Cry, England and Saint Georgel My noble England, 

40 



*Tis holy land to-day. Let each man now 
Gice his pure soul unto that Captain Christ, 
Under whose colors he had fought so long 
Now to this war, as to those holy fields 
Over whose acres wal\ed those blessed feet 
Which fourteen hundred years ago were nailed 
For our advantage to the bitter cross. [The Red Cross Knight appears] 
The Cross, the Red Cross, 'tis His messenger 
Borne by that knight that brooded o'er my birth 
And o'er my passing. Now he calls me back 
Again, St. George, my Red Cross Knight. I come! 

[He goes, followed by Ariel, Groping as he goes ; he suddenly ages. 
Judith his daughter comes forth with solicitude to meet him, and leads him 
away. ] 

Judith. Father, you're tired! You've dreamed too much today! 
You must not write more plays. It's too hard work 

Shakespeare. Ah, this is Prospero's isle, and I am he. 
And you the faithful daughter. Sweet, good-night 
Judith-Miranda, you have cheered my age. 
And I have seen you wed. The end is near. 
I fain would dream of Hamnet. I'll go sleep. 



EPILOGUE 

The Red Cross Knight 

In the old days, the fight was hand to hand, 

St. George and Holy Cross! and Palestine! 

But now— Ae staggers aghast at the Vision of War — ^the Terror! 

The unequal fight 

The snake in-the-grass live poison coiled to strike. 

[He turns to the group of children] 
Poor child crusaders, you must suffer, too! 

Oh, had the armies and the navies ranged 
Beneath the Cross instead of 'neath the signs 
Of armament that now we need awhile 
To save that very cross, and had the marts 
Of commerce sold their wares beneath the cross 



41 



Then had these things not been [He sees the nurse approaching.] 

My own Red Cross! 

Now, by the death of Him who died for all, 

What means the vision? Gentlest flesh and blood, 

Armed with the Cross, confronts the hidden Death. 

Oh, stop the havoc, all ye hosts of heaven 

Invisible, and those new-rising hosts. 

The young dead, slain by thousands, stop this thing! 

Who art thou, lady sweet, that goest forth 

Not clad in silks and laces, but in white, 

Armor of purity and of the soul. 

Yet not a white of spirits; but somehow, 

Whiteness of courage, white of deeds, not dreams: 

Who art thou? Answer! For upon thine arm 

My sign is set ; the Red Cross of St. George! 

What is thine errand? 

The Red Cross Nurse. It is even as thine, 
To succor any helpless in distress, 
Upon the field of dying youth to know 
No enemies, but only friends in need. 

Knight. There is an aura 'round thee that doth shine! 
What meaneth it? 

Nurse. It is the memory 

Of those who went to danger and to death 
In service of the dying; they who heard 
Last words of dying poets who had flung 
Their youth and all their lyric songs av/ay 
For England's need — the songs they might have sung — 
One such sang ere he went to certain death : 
If I should die, remember this of me, 

"That there's some corner of a foreign soil 

That is forever England." Rupert Brooke, 

Loved of the gods, died young. How the gods love 

This generation! And there is a school. 

In the new world of Eldorado young. 

Old Harvard, where the war-class window shines. 

Of '61, in old Memorial. 

It shows a youth, gone forth unto the wars 

Straight from the class-room, in new armor clad. 

The motto reads: "E litteris laeti 



42 



Pro patria ad arma — from their books 
Glady to arms for native land!" Such youths 
We haste to serve. 

Knight. St. George and Holy Land! 

Thou v/hose captain I account 
To Thee I do commend my watchful soul. 
Have pity on the earth! "Let us have peace!" 
Forces of wrong, avaunt! Bow down before 
Saint George and the invincible Red Cross! 



43 



COMPLIMENTS 
of the 

WELLESLEY TEA ROOM 

Wellesley 
Mass. 


COMPLIMENTS 
OF 

WABAN HOTEL CO. 

WELLESLEY 


COMPLIMENTS 
of the 

WELLESLEY PUBLIC 
MARKET 

595 Washington St. 

Wellesley 
Mass. 


COMPLIMENTS 
OF 

CHARLES N. TAYLOR 

1 Grove St. 
Wellesley 



Marinello Shop 


F. H. Porter 


Dr. Irene L. Blizzard 


HARDWARE AND STOVES 


CHIROPODIST 
Scientific Treatment of the Face, 


Paints Oils and Varnishes 
Gas Piping, Tin and Sheet Iron Work 


Scalp and Nails 


Plumbing and Heating 


General Massage 


Vulcanizing 


The Waban, Wellesley, Mass. 


Let me give you a bid 


Over Clement's Drug Store 


Taylor Block, Wellesley, Mass. 


Telephone 442-W 


Telephone Conn. 


H. J. Claff G. Asquith 


PRACTICAL MEN 


Telephones 690-691 


Plumbers, Water, Steam and 


Wellesley Market 


Gas Fitters 
Sheet Metal, Range, Furnace and 


Successors to 


Automobile Workers 


F. A. Coolidge and Stevens Bros. 


Drinkwater Bro- Co. 


PROVISIONS 


544 Washington St. 


562 Washington St. 

»V7 11 1 


Wellesley Square 


Wellesley 


Tel. Wellesley 2I9-W Office and Work Shop 




Tel. Wellesley 209 W Residence 



Christopher M. Bassett 

Practical Horse Shoer 
and Jobber 

Special Attention Given to 

Interfering, Overreaching 

Knee-knocking and 

Tender-footed Horses 

P. 0. Box 233. Wellesley Hills 

Shop Rear McLeod's Block 



NEAT AND UP-TO-DATE 



BARBER SHOP 



Experienced and Skilled Workmen 



Bert Boyd, Prop. 



WELLESLEY HILLS. MASS. 



Lome E. Wright 



LAUNDRY 



DYEING 



CLEANSING 

Highest Grade Laundry Work 
Custom Work 
Tel. Con. 

46 Kingsbury Street 
Wellesley 



L. F- Sanborn 

CIRCULATING LIBRARY 

TOYS DRY GOODS 

PERIODICALS 

Wellesley Hills, Mass. 



ANTIQUES 



Especially the kind our ancestors 
used. Interested parties invited to 
view my collection. Just the articles 
for a summer home. Canopy top beds, 
bureaus, sofas, desks, old chairs, etc. 



E. M. REED 

Cor. Forest and Washington Sts., 
Wellesley Hills 



Miss Bishop's 
Gift Shop 

WELLESLEY 
10 Grove St. 

SPECIAL LINE OF 

BIRTHDAY AND EVERY DAY 

CARDS AND CHOICE 

GIFTS 



KEITH'S 
MARKET 

MEATS AND PROVISIONS 
Fresh, Salt and Smoked Fish 



Oysters in Season 
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables 

WELLESLEY HILLS 



Buy the Milk and Cream 

that won the Silver Cup 

Cleanliness is my specialty 

RIVERDALE 
FARM 

Stanley Young 

WELLESLEY HILLS 

Tel. Wellesley 104-W 



COMPLIMENTS 
OF 

JOB MONAGHAN 

WELLESLEY 



ARTHUR P. FRENCH 

Civil Engineer 
and Surveyor 

NO. 35 THE WABAN 

Wellesley 
Mass. 



FRED 0. JOHNSON 

MORTGAGES 

REAL ESTATE AND 

INSURANCE 

Wellesley 
Mass. 



DR. F. S. KEATING 
Dentist 

Telephone 

Waban Block 

Wellesley 

Mass. 



Wellesley Hills 


Fraser 


Pharmacy 


THE FLORIST 
Cut Flowers and Potted 


Wellesley Hills Agent for 


Plants 


APOLLO CHOCOLATES 


Artists in Designs 
Wedding and Presentation Bouquets 


Always Fresh 


65 Linden Street 




WELLESLEY 




Tel. 597 


Dine at the 


Tel. Wellesley 200 and 201 


Maugus Inn 


C. H. Spring Co. 


OPPOSITE 


HAY AND GRAIN 


Wellesley Hills Station 


BUILDERS' SUPPLIES 


Tel.494-W 


Newton Lower Falls, Mass. 



E. A. Davis & Co. 

DRY GOODS AND 
GIFT SHOP 

Stationery, Rental Goods 

549-557 Washington Street 

Wellesley, Mass. 



The Bird Cage 
Tea Room 

541 WASHINGTON ST. 

opposite P. 0. 

Wellesley 
Mass. 



The Clement Drug Co. 

N. CLARK CLEMENT, Pharm. D. 

DRUGS 
ALL THE BEST CANDIES 

Waban Block, Wellesley, Mass. 

Comer Grove and Washington Sts. 



FOUNTAIN PENS 

Boston Safety Moore's Non Leakable 

Conklin Self -Filler Waterman's Ideal 

H. L. Flagg Co. 

Crane's Linen Lawn 

Drawing 

Fountain Pen and Office Inks 

Dennison's Goods 



Wm.W. Diehl 


D . W . Richardson 


HACK. LIVERY AND . 


COMPLETE HOUSE 
FURNISHER 


BOARDING STABLE 




Carriages at all trains 
Hacks furnished for Parties and Funerals 
Careful Drivers Provided 


Furniture, Carpets, Rugs, Bedding, 

Window Shades, Draperies and Hub 

Ranges 


1 1 Forest St., Wellesley Hills 


Upholstering and Repair Work 

31 Main Street Natick, Mass. 


FURNITURE AND 


Phone 289-W 


PIANO MOVING 


AGENT FOR SONONA PHONOGRAPH 


Open Day and Night Telephone 21520 Wellesley 


Fritz J. Nelson 


Lower Falls Garage 


PAINTING 


ABRAHAM LUFF, MANAGER 


DECORATING 




PAPER HANGING 


Cars Stored and To Rent 






Hardwood Finishing 


54 WASHINGTON STRFFT 


Sign Painting Glazing 


Opposite Glen Road 


OFFICE 


Newton Lower Falls 


WELLES? . FY AVENUE 




Telephone Connection 


Automobiles Repaired and Overhauled 

Auto Supplies 

Vulcanizing 





Wellesley Grocery Co. 


B. L. KARl'l" 




LADIES' TAILOR AND 


GROCERIES AND 


FURRIER 


PROVISIONS 


543 Washington St. 




WELLESLEY 

MASS. 




WELLESLEY SQUARE 


Telephone Wellesley 2 1 7-R 


Telephone Wellesley 270 


Cleansing, Dyeing and Altering 
Carefully and Promptly Done 


E. B. PARKER 


Telephone Wellesley 471 W 




A. CAN 


Boots, Shoes and Rubbers 


V 


Repair Work a Specialty 


Fashionable Ladies' Tailor 




548 Washington St. 


THE NORMAN 


Wellesley 




Mass. 


WELLESLEY SQUARE 





Tel. Wellesley 104.W 

Henry Young 

CARPENTER AND BUILDER 


A. G. I -ake 

FLORIST 

WOODLAWN AVE.. WELLESLEY HIl.T-S 


JOBBING OF AL KINDS 


Cut Flowers for all occasions 


Worcester St. Wellesley Hills 


FUNERAL DESIGNS 


S. De Fazio 


J. D. Mace wen 


FRUITS AND 
GROCERIES 


AUTOMOBILES 
and CARRIAGES 


P. 0. Building, Wellesley Hills 


Established 1870 


Telephone connection 


Repairing a Specialty 




Natick, Mass. 




Tel. 177-W 



Smart Sport Hats 




^^"^^ The New White Silk 

^pH^LISERE SPORT 




.t^^^M HATS 

\ ^ ^ \ Also 
/T^ / 2 BLACK AND ALL 
( / 1 / >A COLOR 


P. I i. Issylino 

LADIES' TAILOR 


ky/j 


SAILORS 

For out-door life of 


P. 0. Building, Wellesley Hills 


SEASHORE and COUNTRY 




Page 




LADIES' HATTER 

37 Temple Place 
BOSTON 




SHELLEY B. OSBORNE. D. M. D. 


CHARLES A. HOYLE 


"THE LYMAN" 


Portraits by Photography 


WELLESLEY HIT ,1 .8, MASS. 


364A BOYLSTON ST. BOSTON 



C. M. McKechnie 


COMPLIMENTS OF 


CATERING 


W.M.Todd Co. 


Estimates submitted 


HEATING 


Ice Cream and Fancy Cakes 


PLUMBING 


NATICK, MASS. 

Tel. 52 W. 


27 SUMMER STREET 
NATICK, MASS 


Domestic Models in 


COMPLIMENTS 


Tailored and Dress Hats 






OF 


Mrs.B. S. Greenwood 




Room 10 Savings Bank Building 


James A- Rarly 


NATICK. MASS. 


Newton Lower Falls, Mass. 



Compliments of 
a Friend 



"Choisa*' 


Ceylon 


Tea 


1 lb. Canisters 
60 Cents 


1 


a^^w^~ii>^y^^gs^ 


1 


PURE 


lib. Canisters 
1 35 Cents 


1 


1 




RICH 
FRAGRANT 



in Parchment-lined One pound and Half-pound Canisters 
Ite comparison with other Teas of the same or higher price 



. S. PIERCE COMPANY 




BOSTON 
BROOKLINE 






Old or New Closets can be 
fitted with the BATTS SYS- 
TEM OF TELESCOPIC 
WARDROBE FIXTURES. 

Garments are hung correctly 
and easily handled. Call and 
see samples. Every good 
thing in 



iardware, Cutlery or Tools 

Chandler & Barber Co. 

BOSSON, MASS. 



^< 



120 



lnsvra^«\ce 

Oilinovr 
RptKcry . 



Will be pleased to 
consult on all 
matters relating to 
Insurance of any 
description 



Gilmour, Rothery & Co. 



William Gilmour William D. Rich 
J. J. E. Rothery Henry A, Fiske 
S. T. Ejnery Thos. E. Sears 



120-130 WATER STREET, BOS 



Herbert Coolidge 
R. A. Benting 
ChgjJFg^immons 



